(file photo/Vernon Matters)

By Pete McIntyre

COVID guidelines put brakes on Winter Carnival parade

Jan 15, 2021 | 12:45 PM

One of the most popular events of Vernon Winter Carnival has been postponed.

The parade, which is always held on the first Saturday of carnival, will not be able to proceed on Feb. 6 as scheduled, due to COVID-19 health and safety concerns by provincial officials.

“We have been working tirelessly with the help of Interior Health to come up with a way we could move forward with the parade, making it reverse, closing streets, making the route shorter. But the health authorities feel at this time there are too many moving parts to keep it safe for the public and participants,” Carnival executive director Vicki Proulx said.

Proulx said while the decision was made with “deep regret,” they appreciate the guidance from Interior Health.

“We were only going forward with the parade if we could do it safely, and if Interior Health feels we can’t, we understand their reasoning and their decision.”

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Proulx added organizers will re-schedule the parade when it’s possible to do so.

“Doesn’t matter the season, we’ll bring the Winter Carnival parade to the community as soon as we can!” Proulx stated.

The 61st annual Winter Carnival, with a wild west theme and presented by Valley First, will feature virtual events as well as a drive thru ice park in Polson Park featuring ice sculptures.

Tickets are on sale for virtual events at www.vernonwintercarnival.com

Carnival is scheduled for Feb. 5-14.